JANE EYRE. To 8 April.
Tour
JANE EYRE
adapted by Polly Teale from the novel by Charlotte Brontë.
Shared Experience Theatre Company Tour to 8 April 2006 then London.
Runs 3hrs One interval.
Review Hazel Brown 7 February at Nuffield Theatre Southampton.
A theatrical experience not to be missed under any circumstances.
This is a production not to be missed - a wonderful theatrical realisation of Charlotte Bronte’s novel. Polly Teale has taken the inspired idea that Bertha Mason, the mad Mrs Rochester immured in the attic, is the embodiment of Jane Eyre’s secret, passionate self. So from the beginning, as Monica Dolan plays Jane as a child, Myriam Acharki ghosts her every movement in a flame-red dress, inspiring her imagination, goading her into actions that eventually force the Reeds to send her away to school. Gradually, Jane realizes that, to be acceptable to society, she has to suppress this passionate side of her nature, while her alter ego is locked in the attic, knocking and beating at the door during the play, descending at moments of greatest emotion and crisis.
Monica Dolan is touching as the young Jane coming to terms with the harsh lot life has dealt her, and her gradual blossoming as the governess in Rochester’s house is a revelation, though she still struggles to keep her passionate nature hidden, just as Bertha is hidden in the attic. When Rochester finally proposes, Bertha descends the staircase, shedding her outer garments, eventually writhing on the floor holding onto Jane’s skirt. Both these actresses give tour de force performances, a delight to watch.
Whilst this is truly an ensemble production, mention has to be given to Octavia Walters, who is charming as Rochester’s young ward, Adele, John Lightbody, who is the very essence of dog, bringing some leavening humour to the production, and Philip Rham, who plays the cello beautifully, lending a further dimension to the whole production. James Clyde’s Rochester is darkly handsome and brooding while Sarah Ball plays Blanche Ingram with terrifying hauteur. The set, a sweeping staircase leading to the attic, with an elemental painted backdrop and little else, is wonderfully evocative for this excellent production.
The ending is touching, with the blind Rochester embracing both Jane and the now quiet, calm Bertha, showing that he and Jane both acknowledge the two sides of Jane’s character. All the performers richly deserved the huge ovation from the packed house.
Bertha: Myriam Acharki.
Bessie/ Blanche Ingram/Grace Poole/Diana Rivers; Sarah Ball.
Mrs Reed/Mrs Fairfax: Joan Blackham.
Rochester/John Reed: James Clyde.
Jane Eyre:Monica Dolan.
Brocklehurst/Pilot the Dog/Lord Ingram/St John Rivers: John Lighbody.
Richard Mason/Cellist: Philip Rham.
Abigail/Helen Burns/Adele/Mary Rivers: Octavia Walters.
Director: Polly Teale.
Designer: Neil Warmington.
Lighting: Chris Davey.
Sound/Composer: Peter Salem.
Moovement: Liz Ranken.
Associate designer: Angela Simpson.
Associate costume: Yvonne Milnes.
2006-02-12 00:05:38